Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Q&A with Jennifer Storm, author of Blackout Girl: Growing Up and Drying Out in America

Q&A with Jennifer Storm, author of Blackout Girl: Growing Up and Drying Out in America

What was the inspiration behind writing this book?

I knew I had a story that was unique but not unique if that makes sense, I had been through so much in my life and as I began recovery, I couldn’t find any books that spoke to my story. I started writing as a path towards healing and after a few years realized I had a decent book on my hands. I wanted other people struggling the way I was to be able to find a book that spoke to them and helped them on their journey.

What's the most rewarding part of this process writing the book?

I love hearing from people who have read the book and it has helped them in someway. I still get emails from readers who thank me for sharing my story with them. I also love speaking and traveling with the book whenever I can. I think story telling is the most powerful means by which we can create real awareness about issues.

What did you learn about yourself through writing the book?

I learned that I am stronger that I thought and I can overcome anything and stay in a healing place. I was very scared upon the publication of the book fearing for what people would think of me laying all my skeletons out for public inspection. It gave me a new freedom that I wasn’t prepared for but welcomed in a new way.

Was it therapetuic writing a book?

Incredibly. I started writing as a way to heal from my past traumas, I knew that I had to go back and unearth all that ailed me, I had to find the root cause of my initial need to escape and deal with it to the best of my ability. I didn’t want to ever live the way I was living again so I became willing to truly deal with it all in a healthy way. Every time I stand before a crowd and share my story, my soul heals a bit more.

What's next for you?

I have been working on screenwriting as of late and am really enjoying diving into this creative area of writing. I’ve written a screenplay for the book and a TV show based on it. I am now moving into a more fictional area. I love to write and cannot imagine it not being a part of my life.